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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What name does Sheba reveal that Richard called Barbara in private?

2. Why is Sheba crying when Barbara returns from the market in Chapter 16?

3. What does Sheba first notice about Steven's mother's kitchen?

4. What part of Sheba's family does Barbara thinks provokes jealousy in Sheba?

5. Why does Barbara feel guilty at the beginning of Chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the mood when Sheba goes to Steven's house.

2. What does Polly's guidance counselor say is the cause of her behavior, and how does Barbara feel about that diagnosis?

3. Why does Barbara not tell Sheba that Sue is spreading rumors about the two of them?

4. Why is Barbara depressed at the beginning of Chapter 13?

5. What is the significance for Barbara of seeing Sheba and Steven at the fireworks talking to each other?

6. Sheba locks herself in her room for forty-eight hours after finding Barbara's manuscript. Why do you think Sheba feels so betrayed?

7. Why are Sheba's remarks about Richard's feelings towards Barbara so hurtful?

8. Why is Barbara so terrified to tell Sheba the truth about her conversation with Bangs, and what does she tell her instead?

9. In what way does Barbara believe her relationship to Sheba is similar to a marriage?

10. What lesson does Sheba relate to Barbara that she learned from her mother about parenting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Barbara obsessed with Sheba, or is she simply a supportive friend to Sheba during a time of crisis? Explore this relationship, using examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

What role does the family unit play in "Notes on a Scandal?" What impact do "traditional family values" have on the central characters?

Essay Topic 3

What impact does the media have on Sheba and her family in "Notes on a Scandal?" Use examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample